"We're right around the corner from actually passing it," says a well-informed Senate source. "Two-hundred-ninety-three votes in the House is a gigantic number. People want this thing."

The president didn't help his cause when he staged an odd photo-op last month, delivering a speech in Cushing, Oklahoma in front of huge stockpiles of pipes. Obama sang the praises of pipelines -- "It is critical that we make pipeline infrastructure a top priority," he said -- and made a big deal of his approval of a section of domestic pipeline that didn't need his approval. But he remained unyielding on Keystone.

In the latest House vote, the pipeline measure is attached to a larger transportation bill. That now goes to a conference with the Senate, which has passed a version of the transportation measure without the Keystone provision. It's not clear whether the pipeline will end up in the final bill. But it is certain that, whatever happens, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell will force another vote on Keystone sometime.

If the pipeline wins those last couple of Senate Democrats, then Obama will be faced with a bill that passed with a veto-proof majority in the House and over a Democratic filibuster in the Senate. The president would be forced either to make good on his veto threat or sign a bill moving the pipeline forward.

Theres gotta be another reason Obama is opposing this no-brainer...probably accepting a lot of $$ from some Big Oil donor like Soros...

No big rail donor Buffett. Warren owns the BNSF and if there is no pipeline the oil and gas will move on the BNSF. Why do you think he approved part of the pipeline. Exactly the same part that doesn't compete head to head with Warren's choo choo.

8
posted on 04/20/2012 8:20:08 AM PDT
by GonzoGOP
(There are millions of paranoid people in the world and they are all out to get me.)

At this point, EVERYTHING Barky does is rooted in cynical political calculus.

I expect him to sign the bill, and deflect the “neener neener” by taking FULL credit for it, as though the history on the subject didn’t even exist. He’ll get the usual support from his sycophants in the press.

9
posted on 04/20/2012 8:31:46 AM PDT
by Nervous Tick
(Trust in God, but row away from the rocks!)

If it passes, it’s a big repudiation of Obama. Since the dems hate the oil industry and generally don’t seem to care about jobs I have to assume this is the intent. It will give some vulnerable congress dems an issue to put some daylight between themselves and Obama on. And if that’s the case, their polling must look really bad for them and for Obama.

14
posted on 04/20/2012 10:10:27 AM PDT
by pepsi_junkie
(Who is John Galt?)

No. he will,as was always planned,allow it through during the summer for maximum effect with the voters. There was never the slightest doubt he would allow it. He has been stalling it for political effect and nothing more,such are the ethics of the man.
He has spoken out of both sides of his mouth on this. He wants it but can’t in it’s current form. Keystone submitted a new route today or yesterday. He now has his excuse to pass it. It was always planned this way.

15
posted on 04/20/2012 11:03:43 AM PDT
by wiggen
(The teacher card. When the racism card just won't work.)

“My felow Ameicans. Those of you who are as deeply committed to the preservation of our enviroment as I have been will be pleased to know that, once again, standing up to the forces on the extreme right is the right thing to do.

Many, on both sides of the isle, critcized my decsion to delay an important pipeline that would play a key role in providing our nation with the critical oil resources we need. In the end, however, preventing the permanent threat to our land and water was worth the wait.

I have certainly expended some political capital, and I know some folks have taken pleasure in diriding me as “out of touch” with our energy needs. None of that is true, and I have no regrets in the path that we’ve taken.

As a result of our efforts, I have been presented with an alternate plan. One that answers to the environmental values we hold dear, while also broadening our supply of oil. Both of these goals can be acheived..... BS BS BS” End of propaganda.

You see, it’s simple. And with a compliant media behind him, it’ll fly just fine. We all know he doesn’t want the pipeline. We all know that his reasons go far beyond any environmental nonsense. However, the redirect on the pipeine just gave him an out. (That was an easy fix, why?) In the end, the US gets the pipeline, and Obama pats himself on the back for “protecting the environment” It’s an old movie, and I’m tired of watching it. I feel like the right, once again, played checkers while O was playing chess.

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